Find Ancestors

The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa can issue certificates, but you have to provide all information - names dates etc. Usually the reason for seeking a certificate is that you don't have all of this information! Also when I tried to apply for people born in 1891 I was told that records for that area (Johannesburg) were not captured until after 1901. Have you tried looking for death notices? These often provide a lot of information about date of birth, parents names, childrens' and spouses' names etc. You will find them by search the National Archives site - http://www.national.archives.gov.za/ Click on the search link on the left hand panel and go to RSA for the widest search. This includes other archived documents in addition to death notices eg divorce records. Some of the Archive departments will send copies to you directly. For those that will not (eg TAB for Transvaal) there are numerous private reasearchers that will copy the documents and send to you at a minimal cost eg R20 of a death notice. PM if you require contact details. Remember that not everyone files a death notice - only when the estate is valued over a specified sum. Another method of accessing information on South African ancestors or gathering information of what information is available is the Rootweb list. Go to http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/intl/ZAF/SOUTH-AFRICA.html for information on the South African list.
Regards
Janine

Many THANKS again West Country Lass for your HELP

Me To Allan

Me too!
Bet

Nudge for Night shift as I'm interested in this, too.

Does anyone know how I could find out about ancestors born in South Africa circa 1870's. I understand that the South African system does not allow you to order certificates. Is this true? All offers of help would be greatly appreciated as this is my brick wall!